Smashing Pumpkins Biography & News

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Smashing Pumpkins gear up for new album

Billy Corgan got tired of reading his own obituary.

That's the story he tells of his repeated attempts to resurrect Smashing Pumpkins after seven years away (from 2000 to 2007). When he reconvened the band as the sole original member left in the group, he attempted to challenge an audience much different than the fans they had played to a decade before. Corgan says that gone were the crowds who would brave a rain-lashed concert for a seven-minute instrumental. Instead, Corgan says many of them demanded Top 10 songs instead of "high -minded art concepts."

It thus appeared years ago that Smashing Pumpkins' comeback was dead in the water. Instead, Corgan changed course, possibly swallowed a bit of pride and (according to interviews) gave up "some form of idealism." Still, he says the group's last album (2012's "Oceania") and forthcoming work "Monuments to an Elegy" don't feel compromised.

Smashing Pumpkins has certainly done OK for itself in recent years, despite the death knell the critics were sounding. "Oceania" debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Billboard Independent chart. The band toured the U.S. in support of the project, playing the album in its entirety at every show. They also booked dates at some renowned festival, including Glastonbury and the Dour Festival at the Barclays Center.

On March 25, 2014 Corgan announced a new record deal with BMG. Tommy Lee, of Motley Crue, then jumped in to play drums on "Monuments to an Elegy," which will be released on December 9.

Smashing Pumpkins Tickets** - A Beautiful Kind of Rock

There's something about a frontman that can hit a high note without trying. Yes, you have your Scott Weilands, Chris Cornells, and Anthony Kiedises. But nothing can compare to the sweet sounds of one Billy Corgan, plus guitarist James Iha, bass guitarist D'Arcy Wretzky, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. They made up the phenomenal alt rock band called Smashing Pumpkins. Hailing originally from Chicago, the band began in 1988 and was able to sign with the local label Limited Potential for their debut album.

Smashing Pumpkins Tickets - The Music of the Pumpkins

It was the year of 1990 when Limited Potential gave the green light for the release of one single, sort of to test the music industry waters -- the single was 'I Am One.' It sold out quicker than IHOP pankcakes and then prompted another single release, 'Tristessa.' The music was so infectious that Virgin Records ultimately grabbed hold of the band and signed them to a major deal. Their official first album release, Gish, saw the light of a Spring day in 1991. It did well enough to prompt the release of a second album, which Corgan himself worked hard on. The resulting work was called Siamese Dream, a huge and immaculate production of remarkable sounds. Some of the top hits in that album were 'Cherub Rock,' 'Today,' and 'Disarm.' Most people, though, would claim that the Pumpkins' best album was the third: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Helmed by the tremendous singles 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings,' '1979,' 'Zero,' and of course 'Tonight, Tonight,' this album went platinum over eight times! It was the highlight of the Pumpkins' career.

Smashing Pumpkins Tickets - The Sound and Style of the Pumpkins

They were unique in the sense that Corgan had a remarkably unique voice, along with the lyrics that were unparalleled. They defined alternative rock music and set the stage for other alt rock outfits to prosper, never mimicking the seclusion that was the grunge rock phenomenon of Pearl Jam or the destructive nature of Nirvana. Smashing Pumpkins aimed with the essence of dream pop styles, prog rock, goth rock, heavy metal, and psychedelia to revolutionize the genre of alternative rock music.

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News

November 28, 2014

Smashing Pumpkins with Killer Rage!

Veterans of the rock industry who will always be remembered for the starry heights they once occupied, the resurgent Smashing Pumpkins have announced five tour dates for this winter. Supporting the release of their new album, Monuments to an Elegy, Billy Corgan and crew are planning a record release blitz with a couple of supporting…

Veterans of the rock industry who will always be remembered for the starry heights they once occupied, the resurgent Smashing Pumpkins have announced five tour dates for this winter. Supporting the re…